Tappet Clearancce check/adjustment 1980 FI Spider

[BNelsonAz]

Hi All,

Anyone have a good procedure for replacing Tappet shims on a 1980 FI Spider? I have one on the exhaust side that is running about .015 and I am worried that is a bit tight. The section in the Fiat shop manual references a couple of special tools to compress the tappet and hold it while changing shims, which I don't have. A description of how to do it would be ok, but if you have pictures, that would be awesome!

Thanks!

Bill

[76was124]

Couple threads that will help .

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... ilit=+Shim

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... ilit=+Shim

[70spider]

I am going to have to tackle the same issue on my '70. There is a noticable ticking on the intake side of the engine. I watched the youtube vid. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM9Ow5Qa_oc) and it seems pretty much straight foreward, I have a worksheet made for it that might be usefull, pm me and I can email you the file:

[RRoller123]

I bought an inexpensive mechanic's stethoscope at HF (mostly just for fun) but you can pinpoint quite easily which valve is ticking the loudest with it. (It also makes it really easy to hear if your injectors are firing).

Pete

[narfire]

The section in the Fiat shop manual references a couple of special tools to compress the tappet and hold it while changing shims,

If you can source one, life or changing the shims is going to be soooo much easier. I believe the vendors here will sell them. I think it is one of the "must-have's" in the special tool department with these cars.
One tip is when the lobe is up, the bucket will spin easily so spin the bucket until you see a small recess in the top lip of the bucket is lined up to the front. You'll find when the tool is keeping the bucket depressed, the gap will allow you to get a small pokey (I know, I know, so very technical) tool to pry up the shim in the bucket.

[76was124]

a small pokey (I know, I know, so very technical) tool to pry up the shim in the bucket.

Yes, and a strong magnet on a stick makes sure you don't drop it.

[BNelsonAz]

Thanks all for the help! I think am getting a subliminal message...veerrryyyy faint...getting louder...I think it says...

"QUIT BEING CHEAP AND BUY THE SPECIAL HOLD-DOWN TOOL!"

Message received. Thanks again, Gents!

Bill

[azruss]

Bill, I have a home made one you can borrow. Maybe we can connect up next weekend. I also have a stack of spare shims and a mic. Once you see it done, it all makes sense.

[BNelsonAz]

Bill, I have a home made one you can borrow. Maybe we can connect up next weekend. I also have a stack of spare shims and a mic. Once you see it done, it all makes sense.

Thanks Russ! I think I have one sourced that will do the trick, but it'd be cool to have some help when I do it. It should be here this week. My hope is to get it before I put the rebuilt motor back in. Seems like it would be easier!

[azruss]

Six of one, half dozen of the other as far as setting valve in or out of the car. PM me with your address and we can set up a get together time.